In the latest episode of the HBO series “Game of Thrones,” three dragons save key heroes from being eaten by Whitewalkers (zombie folks).

This episode got me thinking about the reactive squadrons of U.S. Special Operations. It got me thinking, because the dragons in Game of Thrones saved the series’ heroes from imminent destruction. That might seem like a Deus ex Machina salvation from the abyss, but it isn’t. Instead, Game of Thrones reflects the contemporary reality that good men and women stand ready to visit violence on America’s enemies.